Natural Remedies

• Algae can crop up in almost any aquatic environment. Some of the most common places algae can be found are in decorative fountains and ponds. Algae is a common nuisance in fish tanks and aquariums. All of these environments can play host to animals that might be injured or killed with the use of strong chemical treatments to kill the algae. This is especially true in aquariums, which often house fish with sensitivities to harsh chemicals. Consider investing in snails, which eat algae as a main food source, to reduce the amount of algae in your pond or aquarium. Similarly, consider introducing some aquatic plant life into the environment. Algae is a plant, and will need to compete for resources with other plants in its environment. Amazon sword is a popular plant for fighting algae. Amazon sword can be purchased from most aquarium vendors, and also can be found in some specialized nurseries. Finally, consider limiting the available sunlight to your affected fixture. Algae thrives on sunlight and will rapidly reproduce in the presence of excessive sunlight. Try moving your aquarium away from windows, or placing something near your decorative pond that will block a portion of the sunlight it is exposed to each day.
  
  

Scrubbing

• Occasionally, you will find that algae seems to return from nowhere a week or two after being treated. This usually occurs when some amount of algae was embedded into a surface or nook within the affected environment. Algae is resilient and can come back from even the most minuscule sample populations. If you find that your algae problems seems to keep cropping up, you may need to perform a thorough scrubbing of the environment to remove deeply embedded algae populations. The most environmentally-friendly way to deal with this kind of problem is to use a touch of white vinegar. Simply pour some drops of white vinegar on the bristles of a toothbrush and scrub vigorously on any algae-encrusted surfaces. If you are dealing with a serious algae problem in an aquarium setting, you may need to temporarily move your fish to a second tank to perform a deep clean.
  
  

Algaecide

• When natural remedies prove ineffective, you will likely need to resort to the use of a chemical algaecide treatment. Algaecide treatments come in a variety of form, depending on the environment in which they will be used. Algaecide for swimming pools is much more potent and concentrated than algaecide made for aquariums. Visit your local pool supply shop, pet supply store or landscaping supplier to examine and compare the different types of algaecide available to you. Use caution when using algaecides in environments that house animals, such as aquariums and ponds. Consult the product warning labels and usage directions to ensure that the product is safe for use with aquatic animals.
  
  

Bleach-based Cleaners

• Algae also can be a problem on concrete and asphalt. Algae stains often times occur after a strong rain and appear in the seams between sidewalk panels. Locations that are near the sea or ocean also can be affected by algae blooms and red tides, leaving huge sections of stone and concrete with unsightly stains. These stains are often troublesome to clean, and can become slippery and when wet, which can be a dangerous situation. The best solution for cleaning surface algae is to use an oxygenated bleach-based cleaner, which will break apart the algae at the molecular level. Depending on the severity of the staining, you may need to use a scrub brush to completely remove the algae. Always be careful when using bleach-based cleaners outdoors. Cleaning chemicals can easily make their way into streams and lakes, where they can contribute to pre-existing pollution and poison nearby water sources. Use as little cleanser as possible, and monitor the location closely to avoid these issues.